It was a day from the Twilight Zone. The moment I woke up I was destined to face
frustrations, aggravations and disappointments. It all started when I dialed up
my Internet to take care of my email. Although my new Internet provider promised
faster Internet, thanks to the latest technology, the "latest" technology
decided to be on strike. Moreover, I was supposed to receive a free month of
service, and the first email I received was a bill from this new Internet
provider. Grrrr!
I tried to fix the technological problem, but ended up frustrated, aggravated
and disappointed. Naturally, all of this set me behind, and now I was late for
work! I hurriedly brushed my teeth, kissed my family goodbye, and headed for the
car. For some strange reasons, my stomach was in a knot.
As I turned down the road that serves as an access to our "highway" (really a
two-lane road, just like all the others!), there was a train on the tracks. I've
never seen a train that long, and as I waited, my stomach began to churn.
"Oh well," I tried to convince myself. "I'll make up the time on the highway!"
But when I finally turned onto this "highway", I realized I was right behind a
law enforcement vehicle. It certainly made me think twice about my plan to speed
to work!
It's then that I heard that still, small voice: "Why the rush?"
"I am late for work, Lord, and I feel so tense!"
"Abide in me and find rest."
I took a deep breath and turned on a CD. It just so happened that the CD was
from a group called "Delirious", which was quite fitting, considering my
circumstances! My attention was drawn to the words of the first song: "Standing
at the feet of the miracle maker . . ." Suddenly I realized that I had started
my day all wrong. I had taken matters into my own hands, and now I was paying
the consequences of my own frustrating failures.
"I am so sorry Lord!" I confessed. "I am dedicating the rest of this day to you.
Be my guide!"
As I began to sing and praise the Lord, the knots in my stomach began to
disappear. That sure felt good! I felt at peace, and when I glanced at my
reflection in the rearview mirror, I saw that a look of happiness had returned
to the frowning, wrinkled prune of a face that had glared back at me while I had
been waiting for the train.
Once in town, my road takes me over a draw bridge. This morning it was out of
commission. Apparently a truck had hit something, but the reason why wasn't
important. The important thing was that I would have to make a detour. I
remembered my earlier lesson, however, and I continued to praise the Lord.
A parent with her child was waiting for me in front of my classroom when I
finally entered the school building. They had bad news. The child was leaving
the program. Such devastating news would generally have crushed me. Instead, I
continued to feel at peace. The day was just beginning, and I anticipated
continuing to experience God in each part of it. And, amazingly, it was a
beautiful day indeed!
If God had not intervened, my whole day would have been ruined. I would have let
circumstances dominate me, and my students would have been the ones who
suffered. In His grace, God turned my awful day around by directing me to
concentrate on Him instead of my frustrations.
This is the Christmas message Jesus wants us to remember: "Come to Me, all of
you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28 HCSB)
We don't have to let circumstances dominate us any longer. As long as we rely on
Jesus, He will give us rest and inner peace.
He made it possible for us to never again be alone. We have at our disposal all
the help we will ever need, all from the One who made our salvation possible:
"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b
HCSB)
"Bridge out! Train ahead!"
Let's enjoy the few minutes in front of us by communicating with our Forever
Friend. This day couldn't be any better!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.